Learner Tien’s story is one of talent, hard work, and the unwavering support of his family. His parents, especially his father Khuong, have been instrumental in shaping his career, providing him with the tools and values needed to succeed
With his landmark victory over Daniil Medvedev, Tien has shown that he has the potential to become a force in the world of tennis.
In the years to come, Learner Tien’s journey will undoubtedly inspire countless young athletes, proving that with the right foundation and determination, dreams can become reality.
With his combination of talent, determination, and a humble attitude, Learner Tien is poised to become one of the brightest stars in the tennis world.
His ability to rise to the occasion against top players like Daniil Medvedev highlights his potential to compete at the highest level.
Whether it’s his unique name, his immigrant roots, or his fearless attitude on the court, Tien’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work.
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Table of Contents
Learner Tien’s Unbelievable Upset at the Australian Open:
A Stunning Upset in Melbourne
Learner Tien pulled off what is being described as the biggest upset of the 2025 Australian Open, defeating former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in a grueling five-set thriller.1
The victory marked a pivotal moment for the 19-year-old, who is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about talents in tennis.
Ranked World No. 121 at the time, Tien showcased resilience and skill that belied his young age and relative inexperience on the ATP Tour.
This second-round triumph over a seasoned campaigner like Medvedev is not only a testament to Tien’s growing prowess but also a signal to the tennis world: there’s a new star on the rise.
Early Life and Unique Beginnings
Born in December 2005 in California, Learner Tien has a story as unique as his name. His parents, Huyen and Khuong Tien, originally immigrated to the United States from Vietnam.
His mother, a math teacher, named him “Learner” as a tribute to her passion for education, while his father, an attorney, inspired the name of Tien’s sister, Justice.
Tien’s early years were spent playing tennis on community courts in California.
Starting at the age of five, his natural talent was evident, and his parents nurtured his love for the sport while emphasizing the importance of discipline and hard work.
Learner Tien: Dominating the Junior Circuit
Before making waves in professional tennis, Tien enjoyed a stellar junior career. In 2023, he reached the finals of both the Australian Open and US Open boys’ singles events, signaling his potential to become a future star.2
That year, he also achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 4 in both junior singles and doubles, solidifying his status as one of the most promising young players in the world.
Tien’s success at the junior level was built on his powerful baseline game, athleticism, and an unrelenting mental focus that often left his opponents in awe.
A Breakthrough Year in 2024
Tien’s rise to prominence continued in 2024, a breakthrough year in his young career. The Californian captured three ATP Challenger titles, which catapulted him up the rankings.
His consistent performances earned him a spot in the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, where he finished as runner-up to Joao Fonseca.
By the end of 2024, Tien had climbed to a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 114. Reflecting on his achievements, Tien attributed his success to perseverance and self-belief.
Australian Open Debut and New Lessons Learned
In 2025, Tien made his much-anticipated Australian Open debut, just two years after playing his first Grand Slam at the US Open. Speaking to ATP Tour reporters, Tien revealed how his experiences in 2024 shaped his mindset.
“I think just trusting what I’m doing. Just really believing in what I am putting in and eventually, whether it’s now or down the road, that it will pay off,” Tien said in an interview.
Having dealt with injuries earlier in his career, Tien highlighted how those challenges motivated him to work even harder. His performance against Medvedev at the Australian Open epitomized this resilience, as he overcame the odds to register the biggest win of his young career.
Learner Tien: Drawing Inspiration from Carlos Alcaraz
Interestingly, Tien has credited fellow tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz for inspiring him to watch and understand tennis on a deeper level.3
“When I first started getting into tennis, watching tennis — and I didn’t for a while, until I was probably 15, 16 — it was probably [Carlos] Alcaraz,” Tien shared.
The Spaniard’s entertaining style of play captured Tien’s attention and influenced his perspective on the sport.
“The entertainment factor drew me in, and I obviously started understanding tennis better watching all these guys. I really appreciated watching these matches a lot more,” Tien said.
Strengths on the Court
Tien’s playing style is characterized by his relentless energy, sharp footwork, and strategic shot-making.
Against Medvedev, Tien demonstrated his ability to adapt to a high-pressure environment, adjusting his tactics to exploit his opponent’s weaknesses.
His fearless approach to the match, combined with his powerful forehand and precise serves, helped him secure a victory that will undoubtedly go down as one of the highlights of the tournament.
The Importance of Family and Support
Behind Tien’s remarkable success lies a strong support system, spearheaded by his parents. Their emphasis on education, discipline, and humility has shaped Tien into a grounded individual, despite his growing fame.
Tien often speaks about the sacrifices his parents made to help him pursue his dreams. Their immigrant story, marked by resilience and determination, serves as a source of inspiration for Tien as he navigates the challenges of professional tennis.
As Tien continues to rise through the ranks, he remains focused on improving his game and staying consistent.
His victory over Medvedev has undoubtedly placed him in the spotlight, but the 19-year-old is aware of the hard work required to maintain his upward trajectory.
Reflecting on his journey, Tien emphasizes the importance of staying true to his goals and trusting the process.
“I think it’s been very motivating and a good lesson for me to just plug away and trust that what I’m doing is going to pay off,” he said.
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Learner Tien: Who Is He?
A Rising Star in Tennis Credits His Parents for Early Inspiration
Learner Tien, one of the most promising young talents in tennis, has captivated fans and experts alike with his extraordinary performances.
At just 18, Tien achieved a monumental victory over former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, cementing his place as a rising star.
Behind his incredible journey lies the unwavering support and guidance of his parents, who played a pivotal role in shaping his career.
Family Roots: Tennis in Tien’s DNA
Born into a family with a passion for tennis, Learner Tien was introduced to the sport at a young age.
His father, Khuong Tien, a tennis enthusiast himself, took on the role of coach and mentor during Learner’s formative years. Tien fondly recalls his early days on the court, often playing alongside his siblings.
“My parents have been key. They introduced me to the sport, integrated me in. I am the youngest in my family, and everyone played tennis before I did, so I was just following them,” Tien shared with the ATP.
This familial environment created a natural pathway for Tien to embrace tennis wholeheartedly. Watching his siblings play and learning from his father became the foundation of his tennis journey.
Khuong Tien: A Father’s Role in Coaching
Until the age of 12, Learner Tien’s father served as his primary coach, helping him build a strong technical foundation. Khuong’s coaching philosophy revolved around discipline, patience, and fostering a love for the game.
“I definitely give a lot of credit to my dad,” Tien remarked. “He was my coach until I was probably 11 or 12 and still had a big say in my tennis for a while after that.”
These early lessons not only equipped Tien with the technical skills required to compete but also instilled in him the mental resilience that has become a hallmark of his game.
Learner Tien: Transition to Professional Training
The USTA Program
As Tien’s potential became evident, he transitioned from being coached by his father to joining the USTA program.
This move allowed him to access advanced training techniques, state-of-the-art facilities, and exposure to high-level competition.
The USTA program played a critical role in refining Tien’s skills, enabling him to adapt to the demands of professional tennis.
The shift also allowed Khuong to step back, giving professional coaches the reins while remaining a supportive presence in his son’s life.
Breakthrough Performance: A Victory Over Daniil Medvedev
On Thursday, Learner Tien achieved the biggest win of his career by defeating Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set match.
The victory, which ended with a dramatic 7-6(10-7) tiebreak in the final set, showcased Tien’s exceptional talent and composure under pressure.
The match highlighted Tien’s ability to compete with the best, combining powerful groundstrokes, intelligent shot selection, and an unyielding fighting spirit. Medvedev, a seasoned campaigner and Grand Slam champion, pushed Tien to his limits, but the young star rose to the occasion.
“This win is special,” Tien said in his post-match interview. “To beat someone like Medvedev is a dream come true. It shows that all the hard work and sacrifices are paying off.”
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Mental Toughness: A Key Attribute
One of the standout aspects of Learner Tien’s game is his mental toughness. Despite losing the third and fourth sets in the match against Medvedev, Tien remained focused and resilient.
His ability to regroup and deliver under pressure in the deciding set tiebreak speaks volumes about his psychological fortitude.
This attribute can be traced back to the values instilled by his parents. From a young age, Tien was taught the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive mindset, lessons that continue to serve him well on the court.
The Role of Family in Tien’s Success
Learner Tien’s journey is a testament to the critical role family support plays in the development of young athletes.
His parents not only introduced him to tennis but also provided a nurturing environment that allowed him to thrive.
From driving him to tournaments to offering words of encouragement during challenging times, Tien’s family has been his unwavering pillar of support.
This strong foundation has given him the confidence to chase his dreams and compete at the highest level.
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